I think we can all agree that being financially responsible is important, but is it the only thing we should be concerned about?
Myself, I don’t think so. I’m big on being keeping my financial house in order, but I think that’s second only to staying healthy. Without my health, no amount of money in the world will make me feel good. There are plenty of cheap ways to stay healthy.
That said, I don’t think that the two are mutually exclusive. Some people complain that they can’t get enough exercise without going to the gym, or that vegetables and healthy eating is too expensive, so it’s hard to be healthy on a budget.
To that I say, bull.
I’ve been living on only 45% of my income for the past year, and I can say that with the exception of extreme case (there are always exceptions) it’s entirely possible to be both healthy and frugal. Here are a few ways I manage to stay healthy on a budget.
Run, Run, Run
You don’t need fancy shoes, you don’t need expensive workout gear, all you need is your own two feet, those old sneakers that have been lurking in the back of your closet, and a little bit of courage. Running is a great free activity that can be done pretty much everywhere.
You don’t need to have a home gym, so stop with the excuses. Also, pro hint: Don’t let being embarrassed or thinking that you’re going to look like an idiot stop you. Your fellow runners are just happy to see you even trying, and you are already way ahead of everyone else who isn’t running.
Brown Bag It
Unless you are taking pizza pockets to work, odds are that the lunch you pack will be healthier than the fast food options available to you on your lunch break.
I typically make extra portions of meals the night before, and bring them with me the next day. It’s healthy, and vastly cheaper than buying your lunch every day.
Cut Out the Junk
I know this is an unpopular topic, but you can’t eat like crap if you don’t buy like crap. Cut out the ice cream, chips, cookies, pop and anything else that is processed.
You probably don’t need it, in fact, you probably don’t even need to replace it with something healthy, because if you’re anything like me, you consume far too many calories in a day anyway. This will definitely lower your grocery bill and make you healthier. I’m pretty good with this one, but I still have my once a week chip indulgence.
Use Your Own Two Feet as Transportation
This one I can’t make much use of, because I live in the middle of nowhere and the nearest town is 8km away. BUT, if you live in the city, where walking places is actually an option, I highly recommend using your own two feet to get you places! It’ll make you more fit and save you money on buses, trains and gas.
The majority of the population in North America is unhealthy. In fact, 2/3 of the American population is considered overweight! Yes it can be expensive to live a healthy lifestyle, but it doesn’t have to be.
The trade off is that instead of costing a lot of money, being healthy costs a lot of effort. It can be done though, especially if you follow some of these simple, healthy and cheap ways to stay fit.
What are you doing to stay healthy but still keep your budget intact?
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canadianbudgetbinder says
August 8, 2013 at 3:50 amSome great tips Michelle. One that we really focus on is cutting out the junk. Not only is it not healthy we really don’t need it for our bodies. There are also alternatives. If we want chips we might cup up homemade olive pita and crisp up the wedges in the oven and make a nice avocado yogurt dip. Eating healthy is not as hard as some make it out to be. Transportation is a great way to cut back. Our friend works at the local University and ditched her car to take the bus and loves it. Not only does she get in a daily walk to the bus stop she pays less for petrol, parking and wear and tear on her vehicle. Living frugal also means living smart. It’s a mindset and certainly can be worked into any budget. Great post. Mr.CBB
Jordann @ My Alternate Life says
August 8, 2013 at 7:24 amEating healthier is definitely not hard or expensive. My favourite cheap and healthy late night snack is air popped pop corn, low calories and without the butter, very low in fat. Plus cheap! A quarter cup of unpopped kernels makes a giant bowl of popcorn!
Julien @cashsnail says
August 8, 2013 at 3:57 amAnd being healthy is also frugal… Less visit to doctors (saving time & money), less medication & overall more happiness !
Jordann @ My Alternate Life says
August 8, 2013 at 7:25 amTotally, it literally costs less to be healthy, since you aren’t buying prescription and over the counter meds all of the time.
Lisa @ cents to save says
August 8, 2013 at 5:11 amMy husband and I have saved a lot of money by packing our lunch daily. Bringing a lunch from home is one of my better habits!
Jordann @ My Alternate Life says
August 8, 2013 at 7:25 amMine too, although I allow myself on cheat day per week.
Mark Ross says
August 8, 2013 at 5:48 amWalking, running, basically any forms of traveling with your own feet can really save you money and make you stay healthy. I definitely agree with everything you said there, all of those can really help us, readers, stay healthy. Great post!
Jordann @ My Alternate Life says
August 8, 2013 at 7:29 amThanks I’m glad you liked it!
DC @ Young Adult Money says
August 8, 2013 at 5:49 amI brown bag it every single day to work and it really helps me eat healthier food versus cafeteria food or grabbing fast food for lunch. I do go to a gym, but it has the cheapest membership fees in the area and I try to go at least three times a week. I do agree with you that running can be a great way to exercise on a budget because you don’t need a gym membership.
Jordann @ My Alternate Life says
August 8, 2013 at 7:30 amIf I lived in the city, I would definitely consider joining the gym for the winter months when running out in the cold really sucks. Around here though, there aren’t too many gyms to be had!
Mrs. Pop @ Planting Our Pennies says
August 8, 2013 at 5:50 amI started bicycling to work a few months ago (9 miles each way), and it’s definitely made a dent in our gas spending and the extra exercise is a bonus!
Jordann @ My Alternate Life says
August 8, 2013 at 7:40 amWow that’s quite a little bike trip! You must be seeing some great improvements in your overall fitness!
Thomas says
August 8, 2013 at 5:54 amExercise and planning are both key in saving money and staying healthy. The wifey brown bags it to work and she says its a life saver. Especially with all the junk people bring to work trying to share with everyone. We started parking the car farther away from places so we would have to walk more.
Jordann @ My Alternate Life says
August 8, 2013 at 7:42 amI definitely have to actively say no to the bad food people bring to work as well, it’s terrible!
GamingYourFinances says
August 8, 2013 at 6:00 amBiking is another great form of frugal transportation. We bike to and from work, and for local errands (within 5 miles). It’s fast and easy! Plus we get a lot of exercise and save a lot of money at the same time!
Jordann @ My Alternate Life says
August 8, 2013 at 7:45 amI need to get a bike, I think I would get a lot of use out of it!
Jordann @ My Alternate Life says
August 8, 2013 at 7:45 amI need to get a bike, I think I would get a lot of use out of it!
Snarkfinance says
August 8, 2013 at 6:23 amRunning, pushups, pullups, crunches… all free. I should mention however that basing the affordability of eating healthy on a percentage of income on a site where the author is on track to be making over $100K of side income annually is perhaps not the strongest way to argue for affordable, healthy eating.
Forcing yourself to walk longer distances is an incredible way to increase the amount of exercise one does.
Jordann @ My Alternate Life says
August 8, 2013 at 7:46 amGood thing this post was written by her staff writer, who makes under $45k and lives on less than half of it. 🙂
I also agree that walking is a great way to be healthy, I wish I had more stuff within walking distance of my work/home.
snarkfinance says
August 8, 2013 at 8:19 amMy oversight! Sometimes, you know, I just suck.
Jordann @ My Alternate Life says
August 8, 2013 at 8:33 amNo worries! I do it all the time! It’s hard to keep track of when it’s the original blog author and the staff writer. 🙂
Michelle says
August 8, 2013 at 8:43 amYes, this post was by Jordann. However, even though we are making more income lately, doesn’t mean that I still don’t have a low budget! We have been eating healthier than ever lately and are actually SAVING money 🙂
kelly @stayingonbudget says
August 8, 2013 at 7:28 amTotally agree. Fresh produce is way healthier and actually less expensive if in season than any ice cream, chips or pop! I agree too with fitness–your feet can do amazing things when just moving!
Jordann @ My Alternate Life says
August 8, 2013 at 7:56 amMost people I find who complain about eating healthier being more expensive, are buying the expensive stuff in addition to the bad stuff, or are buying premade healthy stuff. The trick is to buy unprocessed, that’s where the real savings are.
Holly@ClubThrifty says
August 8, 2013 at 7:37 amThese are all awesome tips! I’ve been exercising outdoors a lot this summer. It’s free! =)
Jordann @ My Alternate Life says
August 9, 2013 at 8:47 amI’ve definitely spent a ton of time outside with my dog, having such a willing exercise partner makes things much easier!
Kostas @ Finance Blog Zone says
August 8, 2013 at 7:47 amVery glad to see someone recommending running! Too many others focus on things like gyms and stuff, which cost much more and often do much less!
Jordann @ My Alternate Life says
August 9, 2013 at 8:48 amI totally agree, running is a great, easy way to get started with exercise. I actually chose running initially because it was so much less intimidating than the gym, and now I’m hooked.
Stefanie says
August 8, 2013 at 7:48 amAgreed on all the above. I used to have some major indulgences like daily soda drinks and late night cheeto binges. Once I stopped keeping those items in my pantry/fridge I kicked the unhealthy habit- and saved $$. One of the healthiest and simultaneously money saving choices I ever made was switching all my beverages to water. I drink from the tap so it’s free!
Jordann @ My Alternate Life says
August 9, 2013 at 8:49 amSwitching to water is a GREAT way to be healthier! I made that switch years ago and now I have zero cravings for pop or chocolate milk (my two vices).
Ashley says
August 8, 2013 at 7:48 amI agree with all of these things! especially making extra helpings of dinner so that you can take it to lunch the next day. that is the best!
One of my stay healthy ideas… last night I went out and bought a $10 tennis racket from walmart. now my bf and I can play tennis when we’re feeling bored. its much healthier than sitting in front of the tv all night like we sometimes end up doing 🙂
Jordann @ My Alternate Life says
August 9, 2013 at 8:50 amThat’s a great idea! It’s better to be moving around and burning a few calories than to be vegging on the couch.
Matt Becker says
August 8, 2013 at 8:05 amRunning is definitely a great source of free exercise, though for me any time I’ve really gotten into it I had to buy new shoes before long. I get pretty bad shin splints if I’m not careful about that. So it certainly wasn’t free, but definitely cheaper than joining a gym.
Jordann @ My Alternate Life says
August 9, 2013 at 8:51 amI’ve had issues too, whenever I increase my mileage I start to get injuries. Running definitely isn’t free if you want to go longer distances, but a few km a day should be fine in regular old sneakers.
Brian says
August 8, 2013 at 8:11 amWhile it is true you don’t need fancy shoes to run, if you plan on doing it alot a good pair of shoes is worth the price. Take the time, go to a local running store and get properly fitted. It makes the runs that much more enjoyable when you don’t have random pains.
Jordann @ My Alternate Life says
August 9, 2013 at 8:52 amI totally agree! I’m on the hunt for the perfect pair at the moment in fact, my old ones had too much padding. If you are planning on running lots, good shoes are a life saver. For someone just getting started though, plain old sneakers work just fine.
Madame says
August 8, 2013 at 8:15 amGreat tips, Jordann. It’s true what you say about not needing a gym membership in order to get the physical activity that we need. I always thought of it this way too, but reluctantly, I signed up for a membership earlier this year to help motivate the boyfriend. Several months later, I can probably count how many times we’ve been to the gym together on both my hands! We’ve also been trying to eat healthier, with only lots of salad and veggies, but occasionally do sneak in junk here and there.
Jordann @ My Alternate Life says
August 9, 2013 at 8:53 amEverything in moderation! I still have a bit of junk here and there too, but I try and limit it to one day a week or only when I’m visiting with friends. Nothing wrong with a little indulgence, emphasis on the little. 🙂
MonicaOnMoney says
August 8, 2013 at 8:15 amRunning for me is really the single best way to stay in shape. I love yoga too but it tends to get very expensive. Another idea is online workouts with your smartphone or tv.
Jordann @ My Alternate Life says
August 9, 2013 at 8:54 amI love yoga too! But you are right about classes being expensive. A great alternative to practicing yoga in the studio is to get some videos to watch at home. I have a few that I can do in my living room and I really love them, although I do find it harder to relax and get in the zone at home.
Mr. Utopia says
August 8, 2013 at 8:48 amNot taking care of yourself today will be more costly in the long run! Think about it, eating unhealthy and not exercising regularly can result in health issues down the road. In turn, that could lead to higher and more costly medical expenses especially in your latter years.
Jordann @ My Alternate Life says
August 9, 2013 at 8:56 amThis totally true! Medications, physio, all of that stuff that isn’t covered by Canadian universal health care is expensive! It must be even more expensive for Americans to be unhealthy.
Alexa says
August 8, 2013 at 8:54 amI have been eating a lot more healthy lately and I feel like I have more energy. Working out is what gets me. I am so out of shape I would love to run but I think I need to start slow and just walk. Maybe after a few weeks of that I can work myself up to a jog.
Jordann @ My Alternate Life says
August 9, 2013 at 8:57 amI definitely recommend starting slow when learning to run. There are a ton of couch to 5k programs out there, and most advocate running for one minute, walking for one minute to start. In this case, slow and gradual really does win the race.
Tara @ Streets Ahead Living says
August 8, 2013 at 8:56 amThe last one I couldn’t agree with more– walking is such a great form of transportation. If a further distance is required, mix walking with a bike and/or a bus to not only get some exercise but cut down on transportation spending. Access to a car makes it so easy to go through drive thrus and eat a high calorie meal without moving. Walking takes a little more effort, plus it’s a great way to sort through your thoughts and then possibly think twice about getting that unhealthy meal in the first place.
Also, I bring my lunch everyday. Not only does it save so much money (it’s easy to spend $15 at lunch for takeout here on Seamless food delivery) but by controlling what you put in, you can use better, fresher ingredients that are much healthier.
Jordann @ My Alternate Life says
August 9, 2013 at 8:58 amCouldn’t agree more! I really, really miss being able to walk places, but where I live (very rural) it’s not really feasible. 🙁
Adam @ Money Rebound says
August 8, 2013 at 9:14 amIt’s so simple really isn’t it. Cut out the crap, start running more and hey presto, you’re healthy! And if you cut out the junk food you’ll probably save money, great tips.
Jordann @ My Alternate Life says
August 9, 2013 at 8:59 amYes it’s very straight forward, but still seems to be difficult to get the motivation to actually do it!
No Waste says
August 8, 2013 at 9:17 amI brown bag it, take the stairs, and chase my kiddos around.
But when it comes to ice cream…well…I just can’t quit you.
I once ran a half-marathon, I like to think I’m still borrowing from the miles I banked then.
Jordann @ My Alternate Life says
August 9, 2013 at 9:01 amIt sounds like you’ve got some really solid habits established, good for you!
Sean @ One Smart Dollar says
August 8, 2013 at 9:37 amI love articles like this because it’s really easy to be able to stay in shape without spending a lot of money. It’s even easy to eat healthy food for less. It’s not just processed food that you can use coupons on.
Jordann @ My Alternate Life says
August 9, 2013 at 9:05 amI should do a post on precisely how to eat healthy on the cheap. I’ve heard a lot of people complain about how being healthy is so expensive – but it’s really not!
Simon @ Modest Money says
August 8, 2013 at 10:09 amBalance and moderation in all things. Its a good mantra to live by.
Looking at post, one thing is evident…living a healthy frugal life is absolutely possible but one needs discipline and not minding or caring what others are doing or saying about your lifestyle. You gotta have that mental fortitude to say run or brownbag your lunch instead of dropping by the gym or restaurant.
Perharps I can add biking under transportation. Its great for longer distances that you can’t walk to, excercises the body and saves the planet (well, in the long run!)
Jordann @ My Alternate Life says
August 9, 2013 at 9:06 amBiking is definitely very good for you. Buying a bike has been on my list of things I want to do for a really long time!
Budget and the Beach says
August 8, 2013 at 10:14 amI quit my gym over a year ago and have managed to work out just fine without it. Granted, I live in great climate, so that helps. And I agree that cutting out the crap will help you save money as well. But I do find as I get older I spend just a bit more in “healthy, organic” type stuff. For instance I don’t buy milk, but instead I use almond milk. I don’t buy regular bread, but gluten free bread because it makes me feel better. But I’d rather invest in stuff like that that keeps me healthy an feeling good in the long run so that I can hopefully avoid doctor bills and medication in the future because I made unhealthy choices.
Jordann @ My Alternate Life says
August 9, 2013 at 9:07 amIt’s so true. By being healthy now, you are banking good health for later – when you’re really going to need it! Good for you for seeing that.
Nick (@ayoungpro) says
August 8, 2013 at 10:28 amWhen I was trying to lose my “Freshman 15”, I was amazed at how much just avoiding eating out at lunch helped out!
Jordann @ My Alternate Life says
August 9, 2013 at 9:30 amIt definitely does! Restaurant food is incredibly unhealthy.
Diedra B says
August 8, 2013 at 10:29 amI’m sorry but I have to disagree with the run run run. I ran ran ran last summer right into torn cartilage that wound up costing me money and time at the physical therapist’s. I wasn’t even running all that much. Fortunately my work-paid health insurance covered most of it but I still had to cough up the co-pay.
Jordann @ My Alternate Life says
August 9, 2013 at 9:31 amEek that’s not good! If starting out any running program, it’s very important to start slow and listen to your body, if something hurts – stop! I actually injured myself the first summer I started running too, I ramped up my distances waaay too fast and ended up with a weird but very real pain in my groin.
Lisa E. @ Lisa Vs. The Loans says
August 8, 2013 at 11:24 amGreat post, Michelle! I agree, although the myth is that you have to spend a lot on health, it’s just not true. Walking, running, and even body weight exercises can be done in/near the comfort of one’s one home – free of charge!
Lisa E. @ Lisa Vs. The Loans says
August 8, 2013 at 11:25 amI’m sorry, I meant Jordann!!!
Jordann @ My Alternate Life says
August 9, 2013 at 9:32 amTotally agree! I do all of my working out at home – suits me just fine.
Pauline says
August 8, 2013 at 1:09 pmI have started running a few months ago and you kind of need good shoes to avoid injuries. The cute top and shorts are not a must at all.
Jordann @ My Alternate Life says
August 9, 2013 at 9:37 amGood shoes are definitely a must once you really get into running, but cheap sneakers suffice when just getting started, I think.
C. the Romanian says
August 8, 2013 at 1:25 pmI actually realized that since I eat healthier, I pay less! In my case, this means that I am cutting the costs of eating out and increasing the number of times I cook at home (or, to be honest, wifey cooks at home). As you said, mostly anything I cook at home with fresh produce from the farmer’s market nearby is a lot healthier than anything I can buy when eating out. And if we compare with restaurant prices, it’s a lot cheaper too!
Jordann @ My Alternate Life says
August 9, 2013 at 9:38 amAbsolutely, eating a great meal at home versus out, home cooked wins every time.
Amanda says
August 8, 2013 at 1:31 pmI’d like to add “say no” and/or “know your limits” to this list. I’m the shining example of someone who didn’t follow this advice, and now my mental health is a mess because of it, in addition to all the stress and anxiety-induced physical issues.
Tahnya Kristina says
August 8, 2013 at 3:08 pmPeople don’t do enough walking in my opinion. I think that would eliminate a lot of problems in this world. That and staying away from 64 ounce sodas and snacks. Its amazing when other people come here from other countries and marvel at all the stuff Americans eat.
Jordann @ My Alternate Life says
August 9, 2013 at 9:39 amI agree, I wish I walked more!
SavvyFinancialLatina says
August 8, 2013 at 3:09 pmGreat tips! I love working out outside. Especially in area with trails 🙂
Jordann @ My Alternate Life says
August 9, 2013 at 9:40 amDefinitely, if you can get a good hike going, it’s like you aren’t even exercising!
E.M. says
August 8, 2013 at 7:35 pmI bring my lunch to work all the time, and I have been trying to go on a walk almost every day of the week. Whenever I visit the city, I realize how much of a workout I would get each day if I lived there. I always go home tired! You are right that processed food costs a lot more – mostly for the convenience – and that buying unprocessed is the way to go. I need to work on getting more healthy recipes for inspiration.
Jordann @ My Alternate Life says
August 9, 2013 at 9:45 amI totally agree, walking in the city can be exhausting, which is kind of pathetic if you think about it!
Jim Lloyd Espiritu says
August 8, 2013 at 11:50 pmI completely agree with this post. We normally tend to give excuses not to exercise especially if there are no gyms or a great park around. Your tips are practical which I can use in my daily life.
Jordann @ My Alternate Life says
August 9, 2013 at 9:46 amGlad I could help!
Jim Lloyd Espiritu says
August 8, 2013 at 11:51 pmI completely agree with this post. We normally tend to give excuses not to exercise especially if there are no gyms or a great park around. Your tips are practical which I can use in my daily life.
Daisy @ Prairie Eco Thrifter says
August 9, 2013 at 8:12 amStaying healthy can actually save money. I love when people say that they can’t work out because they can’t afford a gym membership. What do you think people did before gyms were the norm?! It’s just hard to get off the couch sometimes 😉
Jordann @ My Alternate Life says
August 9, 2013 at 9:48 amPeople can be very creative when it comes to coming up with excuses for things they don’t want to do.
Alexandra @ Real Simple Finances says
August 10, 2013 at 8:44 amI finally cancelled my gym membership, because I just wasn’t using it! I bought two Jillian Michaels DVDs for the price of 1 month at the gym, and both came with a 50% rebate inside them.
My problem with brown-bagging is that my job doesn’t have a microwave, which leaves me with cold or room temperature options. I can only eat so many salads and sandwiches before I’m sick of them! Luckily I’m leaving my job in 16 (!) days, and will have better access to heating options in my next adventures. 🙂
the Norwegian Girl says
August 18, 2013 at 2:29 pmI bring a homemade lunch to work/uni every day, so I always get a healthy, frugal meal, and I never waste money like my co-workers do every day!
Alana says
January 18, 2015 at 1:37 pmSo often I see articles with similar titles to yours and they under-deliver. This one is great because following said tips are sure to increase health and decrease expenditure. Pinning and sharing on Facebook 🙂
Michelle S. says
January 18, 2015 at 2:23 pmThank you so much Alana 🙂